Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Since my election to the Dáil in 2011, I have witnessed nothing but utter contempt from Fine Gael and, now, from the Independent alliance, for the Defence Forces. They closed Columb Barracks in Mullingar and are still unable to confirm their future use or what, if any, community projects will be facilitated when the Land Development Agency takes over. The previous Government decided to abolish the fourth western brigade and downgrade Custume Barracks in Athlone. At the time, a firm commitment was given, in writing and on the floor of this House, that its strength would be maintained at 1,100 personnel. Today, there are 700 people attached to Custume Barracks. Why is there a mass exodus of personnel from our Army? It is because of the pay and conditions. The disparity in pay and conditions of our front-line services was illustrated by the recent visit of the Holy Father, Pope Francis and, even more recently, by the visit of President Trump when people were paid €20 for an additional 24-hour shift. Soldiers from Athlone are being sent to man four different locations and there is a deliberate attempt to make Athlone look like an expensive barracks because the Government wants to downgrade it further. There is a worry in Athlone over the long-term viability of the barracks and this anxiety needs to be addressed.

Some 300 personnel have been waiting almost a decade for their tech-3 payment to be paid. When will it be paid? The Minister has repeatedly promised that it will be paid but, despite the Department returning money to the Exchequer, these people are still awaiting their payment. The Minister and his colleagues should hold their heads in shame for the manner in which they have treated the Defence Forces and the way they have refused to take on board the genuine concern of the people in the forces. They should take their heads out of the sand as there is a serious problem here that needs to be addressed and they are failing to address it.

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